Andrew Gillihan

Physical Therapist

7227 Montgomery Rd. STE C Cincinnati Ohio, 45236 Show map

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About

As a Performance Physical Therapist, Dr. Gillihan specializes in treatment for men's pelvic health, everyday gym-goers, weight lifters, runners, youth athletes, combat athletes, and tactical professionals such as military, veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs. Andrew wants to help clients and patients reach their "moonshots" (*the dreams they feel they may never complete*). He is passionate about using his knowledge of orthopedics & sports physical therapy to help better serve people just like you. Dr. Gillihan recognizes the importance of providing a well-rounded, patient-centered experience. He hopes you choose to schedule an appointment to take care of any injuries, aches, or pains.

Education and Training

Arkansas State University Doctor Of Physical Therapy 2022

Boise State University Master's in Kinesiology 2019

Provider Details

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Andrew Gillihan

Andrew Gillihan's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How long does a muscle strain take to heal?
The healing time for a muscle strain depends on its severity. Mild strains (Grade 1) typically heal within 1-2 weeks, while moderate strains (Grade 2) can take 3-6 weeks. Severe strains (Grade 3), involving a complete tear, may require several months and sometimes surgery. Since your son feels pain when running, it’s likely a mild to moderate strain, but a doctor or physical therapist can confirm the severity. To promote healing, ensure he rests, applies ice, and avoids activities that cause pain. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help once the pain subsides, under guidance from a healthcare professional. Proper care can prevent re-injury and get him back on the court safely! READ MORE
What are the benefits of physical therapy for back pain?
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain 1. Pain Relief Without Medication Physical therapy often reduces pain through targeted stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual techniques. Techniques like myofascial release, dry needling, or soft tissue massage can help ease muscle tightness and spasms. It provides a drug-free approach, reducing reliance on painkillers like NSAIDs. 2. Improved Strength and Stability Chronic back pain often stems from weak or imbalanced muscles that don’t properly support the spine. PT focuses on strengthening your core, back, glutes, and hips to stabilize your spine and distribute stress evenly. Example exercises: planks, bridges, bird-dogs, and modified Pilates moves. 3. Better Flexibility and Mobility Tight muscles around your spine (e.g., piriformis, hamstrings, and hip flexors) can worsen back pain and scoliosis symptoms. Gentle, targeted stretching can lengthen tight muscles, improve posture, and ease movement. Example stretches: piriformis stretch, seated hamstring stretch, cat-cow stretch. 4. Posture Correction Poor posture can put extra stress on your spine, worsening scoliosis and chronic back pain. PT will teach you proper alignment when sitting, standing, and moving, which relieves pressure on your spine. This is especially important for dancers or people who sit for long periods. 5. Customized Treatment for Underlying Conditions A physical therapist will address all contributing factors to your back pain, such as: Scoliosis-related imbalances. Piriformis syndrome (targeted releases and stretches). Core and pelvic floor weakness. They’ll develop a personalized plan tailored to your body and needs. 6. Reduced Risk of Future Injury PT teaches you how to move properly and safely to prevent reinjury. This is critical for dancers or athletes who place repetitive stress on their bodies. 7. Increased Function and Quality of Life By addressing pain, improving mobility, and building strength, physical therapy helps you return to activities you love—like dancing—without constant pain. It focuses on functional movements so you can walk, bend, sit, and dance more comfortably. What to Expect from Physical Therapy During PT sessions, you’ll likely experience: Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your spine, gait, posture, and muscle strength. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like massage or mobilization to relieve tension. Targeted Exercises: Strengthening, stretching, and balance exercises. Home Program: Daily exercises and self-care strategies to maintain progress. By committing to a PT program, you can gradually build strength, relieve tightness, and reduce pain long-term. Given your active lifestyle and conditions like scoliosis and piriformis syndrome, PT could be transformational for managing chronic pain and preventing further problems. READ MORE
My husband has been diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis. Can this be treated with physical therapy?
Yes, Achilles tendonitis can be effectively treated with physical therapy. A physical therapist will design a treatment plan to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing. This often includes stretching exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises to support the tendon, and eccentric exercises, which are particularly beneficial for tendon recovery. These targeted exercises help the tendon heal while reducing the risk of further injury. In addition to exercises, physical therapy may involve techniques such as manual therapy, ice/heat applications, and education on proper footwear and movement patterns to prevent strain on the tendon. With consistent therapy, your husband can regain strength and mobility, and return to his normal activities with less pain and a lower risk of recurrence. READ MORE
Can occupational medicine treat Parkinson's?
Occupational medicine focuses on the prevention and management of injuries and conditions related to work and daily functioning, but for Parkinson’s disease (PD), occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are the more relevant forms of care. OT helps individuals maintain independence in daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and writing. For someone with Parkinson’s, this can include strategies for dealing with tremors, fatigue, or stiffness, as well as introducing adaptive tools to make everyday tasks easier. Physical therapy, on the other hand, focuses on improving mobility, balance, strength, and flexibility. For Parkinson’s, PT addresses challenges like gait changes, muscle stiffness, and the risk of falls. Therapists use specific exercises to improve posture, reduce freezing episodes, and enhance overall movement. Strengthening and stretching exercises, along with balance training, can help keep your grandmother active and more confident in her mobility. Combined with medications like Levodopa, PT can significantly enhance her quality of life by slowing the physical symptoms of PD and promoting overall health. Encouraging regular PT sessions tailored to her specific needs will not only keep her strong but also help her stay engaged in activities she enjoys. Let us know if we can help her with a personalized program here at Alinea Performance! READ MORE
What can I do for piriformis syndrome?
I'm really sorry to hear how debilitating the piriformis pain has been for you—it sounds incredibly frustrating. Since you're waiting to start PT, here are some gentle, non-medication approaches to help reduce the tightness and pain without aggravating it further. 1. Heat and Ice Therapy Ice: Apply an ice pack to the piriformis area (deep in the glute) for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation, especially after spasms. Heat: Use a heating pad or warm compress for 15-20 minutes when the muscles feel very tight. Heat can promote blood flow and relax the muscle. Tip: Alternate ice and heat if needed, as some people find it reduces spasms effectively. 2. Supported Positions for Relief If sitting and lying down are painful, here are two positions to ease tension: a. Reclined with Pillows Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place pillows under your knees to relax the low back and hips. You can try adding a gentle ice or heat pack under your glutes while reclined. b. Side-Lying Position Lie on your non-painful side with a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned. Place a pillow under your head for support. Slightly curl into the fetal position to release pressure on the piriformis. 3. Gentle Muscle Release Techniques Since stretching feels impossible right now, try these super gentle releases: a. Guided Breathing for Relaxation Lie in a reclined or supported position. Place one hand on your belly, inhale slowly through your nose for 4-6 seconds, then exhale for 6-8 seconds. Focus on softening your hips and glutes with each exhale. This may not feel like much, but reducing nervous system tension can ease muscle spasms. b. Self-Massage with a Soft Ball or Hands Use a soft ball (like a therapy or tennis ball) to gently roll under the glutes while reclined. Go very slow and avoid forcing into sharp pain—just enough pressure to encourage relaxation. If the ball is too much, try light circular massage with your hands on the upper glute area. 4. Avoid Aggravating Positions Avoid sitting for long periods—even short stints can tighten the muscle further. Stand up or recline as often as possible. When standing, try to distribute your weight evenly and avoid shifting all your weight to one leg. When to Seek Immediate Help If the pain worsens to the point that you’re unable to move at all or you start to notice numbness or tingling down your leg or in your foot, it’s best to check with your doctor right away. This could indicate sciatic nerve involvement, which sometimes occurs with piriformis syndrome. The key right now is to gently reduce muscle tension without over-stretching or aggravating the area. Focus on supported rest, heat/ice, and gentle mobility if tolerated. Once you begin PT, they’ll guide you through targeted exercises to address the tightness and spasms effectively. READ MORE
Foot Turning Inward
The symptoms you’re describing—pain on the outside of your right leg, along with your foot turning inward and bumping into your other foot—could be related to a few potential issues. Here are some common causes to consider: 1. Peroneal Nerve Irritation or Compression The peroneal nerve runs down the outside of your leg and controls the muscles that lift your foot (dorsiflexion) and stabilize it. If this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, you can experience: Pain or discomfort on the outside of the leg (near the fibula bone). Difficulty controlling the foot, which can cause it to turn inward or drag slightly. A sensation of weakness or ""foot drop"" in more severe cases. Why it happens: Repetitive activities like running can sometimes cause irritation or compression of the peroneal nerve (e.g., from tight muscles, swelling, or footwear pressing against the nerve). Running on a treadmill might cause overuse or repetitive strain in this area. 2. Weak or Tight Peroneal Muscles The peroneal muscles (longus and brevis) run along the outside of your lower leg. Weakness, overuse, or tightness in these muscles can cause: Pain along the outside of the leg. Instability in the ankle, which might make your foot roll inward or bump into your other foot while walking. Tightness can exacerbate poor foot control during weight-bearing activities. 3. Gait Issues or Biomechanical Imbalances If there’s any imbalance in your gait (how you walk or run), it can lead to pain and altered movement patterns. For example: Overpronation (foot rolling inward too much). Muscle imbalances in the hips, glutes, or ankles, which may throw off your alignment. This could explain why you notice it intermittently, especially if your muscles fatigue after frequent treadmill running. 4. Early Signs of Overuse Injury Conditions like peroneal tendinitis or iliotibial (IT) band syndrome can cause pain on the outside of the leg. Overuse injuries develop gradually, often due to repetitive stress, such as running daily without enough recovery. What to Do Next Rest and Assess: Take a break from the treadmill for a few days to see if symptoms improve. Check Your Shoes: Ensure you’re wearing proper running shoes with good arch and ankle support. Poor footwear can exacerbate these issues. Strengthening and Stretching: Stretch and strengthen the peroneal muscles, ankles, and hips. Exercises like ankle circles, resistance band work, or single-leg balance can help. Foam Rolling or Massage: Gently massage the outside of your lower leg and calf to relieve tightness. Consult a Specialist: If the issue persists or worsens, consider seeing a physical therapist or sports medicine doctor for a thorough gait assessment and possible nerve evaluation. They can determine if nerve compression, muscle imbalance, or biomechanics are contributing to your symptoms. Your description suggests nerve involvement or muscle instability, especially since your foot movement is affected. It’s great that you’re catching this early. I’d recommend taking a break, addressing the potential causes, and getting a professional evaluation if it continues. READ MORE
Leg
It’s great to hear your knee is healing well overall! However, the sensations you’re describing—numbness, swelling, and the "dead weight" feeling—can be relatively common after major knee surgery, especially with plates and screws involved. Here are a few considerations: What’s Normal Post-Surgery? Numbness and Swelling: These sensations can occur due to nerve irritation or compression during surgery, as well as post-operative swelling. Nerves near the knee joint can be sensitive and take time to recover. This may cause numbness or a “weird” feeling down the leg, ankle, and toes. Swelling in the knee can also lead to fluid retention around the lower leg and ankle, causing these areas to feel swollen or heavy. Difficulty Bending Your Knee: Limited bending at this stage is very normal due to pain, swelling, and the early stages of healing. Full range of motion will improve over time, often with physical therapy. "Dead Weight" Feeling: This may be related to a combination of swelling, muscle weakness (as the muscles haven’t been active), and the body's reaction to surgical trauma. When to Be Concerned While these symptoms can be normal, you should contact your doctor if you experience: Increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee, calf, or ankle (could indicate an infection or blood clot). Severe numbness or inability to move toes/ankle. Sharp or worsening pain in your calf (a sign of a blood clot). Fever or chills. Tips for Recovery Keep swelling down: Elevate your leg above heart level, and use ice packs (if approved by your doctor) to reduce inflammation. Ankle pumps: Gently move your toes and ankles up and down (if your surgeon allows this) to improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Follow your doctor’s weight-bearing guidelines: It’s great that you’re being cautious with the walker—avoid putting unnecessary weight on the leg until cleared. This stage can feel frustrating, but these symptoms are often part of the healing process. If anything feels off or worsens, though, don’t hesitate to check in with your surgeon! How has your pain level been so far? READ MORE
scoliosis
I’m sorry to hear about your scoliosis diagnosis and the discomfort you’re feeling. To answer your question: bending a lot on its own won’t necessarily make scoliosis progress, but it can aggravate your symptoms, especially if you’re already in pain. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand: Will Scoliosis Progress from Bending? Scoliosis progression depends primarily on factors like: Severity of the curve (measured in degrees). Your age (progression is more common during growth spurts). Muscular imbalances or weaknesses. Activities like bending or dancing don’t directly worsen the curve, but repetitive motions, poor posture, or excessive strain can increase back pain and muscle fatigue. Why Bending Hurts With scoliosis, your spine curves abnormally, which causes uneven weight distribution. Bending can strain your back muscles more, as they work harder to compensate for the spinal imbalance. The pain could also come from inflammation in the spinal joints, muscle spasms, or nerve irritation. How to Manage Scoliosis Pain Core and Back Strengthening: Strengthen your abdominal and back muscles to support your spine. Exercises like planks, bird dogs, and gentle stretches may help (consult a physical therapist first). Modify Movement Patterns: When bending, try to hinge at the hips instead of rounding your spine. Keep your back as neutral as possible. Avoid excessive twisting or over-stretching the lower back during dancing. Improve Posture While Sitting: Use a supportive chair with lumbar support or a cushion to help reduce pressure on your spine. Take breaks to stand, stretch, and move. Physical Therapy or Scoliosis-Specific Programs: A physical therapist can provide exercises to manage pain and improve function. Should You Avoid Dancing or Bending? You don’t necessarily need to avoid these activities, but it’s essential to: Modify movements to reduce strain. Strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. Listen to your body and rest when needed. If your pain continues or worsens, or if you’re concerned about progression, consider seeing a scoliosis specialist. They can assess your curve, provide tailored advice, and possibly recommend treatments like bracing, physical therapy, or other interventions. READ MORE
How critical is physical therapy for athletes?
In short, it depends. Can warm-ups and stretches be enough? Yes. Are they likely helpful enough to upramp you to your regular training regimen? Maybe not. Within our clinic, we work with a lot of runners who enter their return to running too early or without the appropriate progressions following an injury. Depending on what it is that you're dealing with, moving too quickly might inhibit your future training or elongate the process of returning to a higher level of performance. I recommend completing an evaluation with a sports and performance therapist to understand better what you need. If you need more help, reach out virtually to set up a consult! READ MORE
working out
Hey Neil, you can start exercising immediately following your chiropractic visits. As physical therapists, we can utilize the same strategies as a chiropractor and refer to them as manipulations instead of adjustments. I utilize this strategy in my practice so that patients have the best and fastest results when they follow up a mobilization with exercise. READ MORE
Can physical therapy help me with my sciatica pain?
Yes, physical therapy can be a very effective treatment for sciatica pain, even if you are also taking medication. Physical therapy is often recommended in conjunction with medication for the best results. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve range of motion and flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the spine and pelvis, improve posture, and teach you how to move and lift safely to prevent future episodes of sciatica. Whether or not you will eventually be able to ditch the medication altogether depends on the underlying cause of your sciatica and the severity of your symptoms. However, physical therapy can help you to reduce your reliance on medication and improve your overall quality of life. Here are some specific examples of how physical therapy can be used to treat sciatica: -Gentle stretching and exercise can help to reduce pain and improve flexibility. -Strengthening exercises for the core and back muscles can help to support the spine and pelvis. -Massage therapy can help to relax muscles and reduce pain. -Biofeedback can help you to learn how to control muscle tension and pain. READ MORE
After a knee injury how long should I wait to start my physical therapy?
Yes, physical therapy can help you to recover faster from a knee injury after a fall from a bike. A physical therapist can assess your injury and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you: -Reduce pain and inflammation -Improve range of motion and flexibility -Strengthen the muscles around your knee -Improve your balance and coordination -Learn how to move safely and prevent re-injury Physical therapy can also help you to return to your normal activities, including work, more quickly. For example, your physical therapist can teach you how to modify your work tasks to avoid putting too much stress on your knee. The best part is - the earlier you start, the faster you can get back to doing the things you love. READ MORE